"Obviously 'Kiddy' (Kidwell) is still new to the coaching role and not only himself but all of us players have a lot to learn and we learned the hard way in Perth," he said.

Taumalolo averaged 52 minutes per game for the Cowboys this season but that jumped to 76 minutes in the extra-time play-off win over the Broncos and 62 when they were knocked out by the Sharks the following week.

Taumalolo admitted he would struggle to see out full 80 playing in the middle but there is no doubt Kidwell be looking to get more out of the big back-rower in the coming weeks.

"My job is to play the best footy I can and worry about the game and [playing minutes] is obviously his job," Taumalolo added.

"I haven't spoke to 'Kiddy' yet. We'll probably [discuss] that in the UK and talk more about how I'm going to be used."

Taumalolo was part of the team that won the 2014 Four Nations but is making his first tour to the UK having missed last year's series in England through injury.

It continues a memorable two years for the Auckland-born powerhouse.

He played a key role in the Cowboys' maiden premiership-winning campaign in 2015 before being judged the best player in the NRL this year alongside Melbourne halfback Cooper Cronk at the Dally M awards.

Such success brings added pressure to perform but Taumalolo doesn't feel like he has to do anything special in the black jersey.

"I don't feel like I have a lot of expectations on me, especially with the amount of talented players I've got around me.

"Although I have the Dally M title on my name, I definitely won't shy away from playing the best footy I can. I'll do my job on the field and as long as the boys do their job we'll look after ourselves as a team."

Taumalolo's stellar season is even more remarkable given that he has carried a knee injury for most of the year.

The 23-year-old has struggled with knee injuries in the past with a medial ligament problem keeping him out of last year's tour.

But he remains confident he can continue to manage the issue in England.

David Kidwell coaching debut going about as good as I expected. Worse than Kearney. #RoosKiwis